Workshops

Jodo Gyan

A ‘Jodo Gyan’ workshop was organized on the 26th Feb‘18 for the teachers of Junior School. The aim of the workshop was to introduce innovative methods through which children may acquire problem solving skills while applying and integrating mathematical concepts in real life situations. The resource person, Mrs. Sonal Aggarwal conducted a highly interactive workshop with great enthusiasm. The teachers participated whole heartedly and enjoyed group activities using TLMs (teaching learning materials) from Jodo Gyan like ‘Ganit Mala’, ‘Rangometry Shapes’, ‘Dice and Blocks’ etc. The session gave an insight into experiential learning pedagogy for Mathematics which surely ignited a spark in all the teachers. The junior school teachers couldn‘t agree more with the philosophy of Jodo Gyan that learning of Mathematics should evoke joy rather than fear of numbers.

The Called, the Gifted and the Sent at SCS

The Called, the Gifted and the Sent was conducted by Br. L.Lobo and Br. Cedric. The program for this year was held at St. Columba’s. A total of 16 teachers attended the program from Goa, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Vasai, Nainital, Mount Abu, Goa and Delhi.

The teachers from the middle school led the Morning Prayer and reflection on the 23rd of February.

The program was introspective, enrichingand indeed very enjoyable. Over a period of a few days the teachers were taken on a journey that helped them analyse their strengths and fearsand the role each one is called to play in this world.

As part of the immersion program Br. Lobo made arrangements for the teachers to visit Cheshire Home, The Blind Relief School and Mother Teresa’s orphanage. During the introspective sessions animated by Br. Cedric and Br. Lobo, it was clear how Blessed Edmund’s vision continues to be relevant even today and every one of us is called to take this forward.

HOW TO BE A BETTER PARENT

The Indian Express hosted an Express Masterclass presented by IIFL on ‘PARENTING’. The workshop was held on 3rd February 2018 at St. Columba’s School. It was led by Ms. Gloria Burrett, an Integrative Psychotherapist. The workshop was attended by Express Readers, School Parents and a few teachers who found the workshop very insightful and self introspecting.

Ms. Gloria took us through an interactive session, sharing deeper perspective on how we can bring about peaceful parenting. The session exclusively focused on needs of parenting a 7-11 year old and how to find a better emotional connect with the child. With many questions and dilemmas being clarified at the workshop, it turned out to be a highly interactive session.

In short, the interactive session focused on the evolving dynamics and creative connect between the parent and child.

Neha Malhotra
Hema Simon
Sam Alexander

ERI Training In Human Rights and International Advocacy at Geneva

(Date 06th Nov.2017 to 17th Nov.2017)

Participants from India, Australia and African continent attended the program.

The training program was framed and organised by Br.Brian bond, Br.Kavin and Br. Tino.

There were special session on following topics-Sustainable development goal, Child rights and Earth rights and Human rights.

Participants were given an opportunity to attend 28th session of Universal periodic review run by Human Right commission in Geneva as a guest of ERI two week training workshop.

Workshop on Vedic Mathematics

Mathematics has become a huge area of concern in many continents across the globe. There is a global decline in the numeracy level. Keeping the above in mind, a workshop was conducted for the teachers of the junior school on “Vedic Mathematics”.

The session began with a power point presentation introducing the concepts of “Vedic Mathematics” which is a system of Mathematics discovered by Indian Mathematician Shri Bharathi Krishna Tirthaji in A.D 1911 and 1918.It consists of 16 sutras (formulas) and 13 sub sutras(sub formulas) which can be used for to solve problems of Arithmetic, Geometry, Calculas, Algebra and Conics.

Mrs. Sehgal explained with examples some vedic maths tricks based on different sutras.

The teachers actively participated and learnt innovative tricks which will help the students to solve the problems 10-15 times faster, increase their speed, accuracy and concentration. These formulas and calculations based on Vedic Formulas when applied build self confidence, improve academic performance and reduce scratch work and finger counting among students. The use of Vedic Maths as a part of class room curriculum may prove to be highly beneficial and innovative in term of enhancing mental maths skills and generating interest among students.

Workshop on POCSO Act and Code of Protective Behaviour

By Pooja Guglani

“We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens, in our society, a life free from violence and fear.” - Nelson Mandela

Mrs Pooja Guglani, the protection officer, junior school, conducted a participative workshop with the junior school staff where she spoke about POCSO(Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act 2012 and child rights.

Children are the most vulnerable in any society. Increased attention, efficient protection skills and preventive measures regarding child abuse are necessary at family and social levels. After being a closed affair for decades, child abuse is being more and more denounced and becoming a public and political topic. We at St. Columba’s Junior School play an active role in effective prevention of any kind of child abuse by aiming at increasing awareness among students about Sex Education and laying down a specific protocol regarding prevention, reporting and management of different forms of abuse.

Mrs. Guglani laid emphasis on how crucial and pivotal the role of teachers is in ensuring a safe, secure and supportive environment for the students in school. The session was committed to reminding the teachers and caregivers that as a Christian Brother Institution, we are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of children and to prevent incidents of abuse in whatever form.

The interactive session with the staff was a ground for discussion to adopt a pragmatic approach to child rights education and introspection on childcare, protection and safety in our centre of activity. Mrs. Guglani urged the teachers of junior school to strictly adhere to the Centre Specific Code of Protective Behaviour.

Our honourable principle, brother Miranda also addressed the meeting and further motivated the staff to introspect about their roles as teachers and to be aware, vigilant, compassionate towards the children entrusted in their care. He mentioned the procedure to be followed regarding prevention, observation and reporting of any kind of child abuse.

Workshop On Disaster Management In Schools

DAY 1 : District Disaster Management Authority, New Delhi had organized a three days workshop from 6 November 17 to 8 November 17 on School Safety. Thirty participants in varying capacity from Principals, Vice-Principals, coordinators, and various in-charges of different subjects attended the workshop. Mr. Dharmendra Kumar, ADM was the chief guest who began the session by addressing the participants as introductory talk.

Ms Shushma Guleria, the resource person continued with the day’s schedule. She began by discussing the basic concept of the disaster management. The type of disasters, difference between a hazard and disaster, disaster management cycle and initiatives taken by disasters management Authority were also discussed.

Post lunch session included the structured and non structured aspects of a disaster. It was followed by discussion on how to make a SCHOOL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN (SDMP). The first step to make a plan was to identify the probable hazards in a school.

DAY 2 : Ms Sushma continued with the SDMP the next day. She stressed on the aspects like a plan should be brief, simple, flexible and easy to execute. The other features involved in the SDMP were also discussed. She also threw some light on Gender related issues in a disaster scenario and psychological care which was new for the participants. It was substantiated with various cases which were discussed and deliberated upon.

Dr. Piyush Ranjan, Assistant Professor, Dept of Surgical Disciplines, AIIMS was the resource person who conducted the session on first aid. His session entailed the various types of injuries that can happen in the school. He also explained in brief the first aid which can be resorted to in the respective cases. After the tea break a session on fire safety was conducted by Mr. Sajjan Kumar, a senior officer of the fire dept. He talked about the various fire hazards in the school area and how to deal with it.

He emphasized on the fact that schools should be well equipped with fire extinguishers at all potential areas which could lead to fire. He further stressed on the fact that all important telephone numbers should be displayed on every floor and risk zone areas.

DAY 3 : Ms. Sushma Gulleria conducted the session on the third day which was based on framework of mock drills in school campus. The steps involved before a mock drill were elaborated upon.

Orientation of the plan to all stakeholders.

Table top exercise which focus on administrative strategies.

Functional stage - The SOPs should be ready.

Final stage - Mock drill to be conducted.

The above strategies were discussed and deliberated upon. Thereafter, the participants were divided in four groups and were asked to form a task force comprising Evacuation team, Search and Rescue, First aid and Transportation. Each group presented their strategies and how they would execute their roles. It was a highly interactive session.

The last segment was based on the Training Component which specified about the basic qualities required to be a good trainer.

The workshop ended with an open house. Ms. Ankita Anand, SDM, Chanakyapuri, IAS was also part was of the open forum. She enquired about the status of disaster management in the respective schools. The participants discussed the various constraints in their schools with regard to disaster management. The queries of participants were also resolved.

Last but not the least, only the representatives who had attended minimum two days of workshop were felicitated with a certificate. It was an enriching experience and a great learning.

Manju Singh Rawat
Middle School

Workshop on First Aid : Junior School

Date: 10/10/2017
In the words of Bobby Sherman-
“Take time to learn First Aid and CPR. It saves lives and it works”

The Staff of junior school attended a highly informative workshop on the importance of First Aid and its usage in day to day classroom dealings. The workshop was conducted by parents of class 2 - Dr Ethel Belho and Dr Kanta Rahul.

Primary assistance with appropriate First Aid in case of any accident or mishap is of utmost significance before any professional medical help is available. The staff attained hands-on training about the effective usage of a First Aid box in the class room, in case of minor wounds. At the same time, the session trained teachers to identify the need of professional medical aid with respect to the adversity of the accident and ways to handle such situations. Procedures of performing CPR and use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator) were outlined with demos and power point presentations.

The session also equipped the staff with crucial understanding of dealing with various accidental situations such as nose bleed, fall, fractures, drowning, seizures, choking, allergic reactions, cuts and bruises, burns and ingestion of foreign objects. It was a great platform to sensitise the staff about possible mishaps and emergency situations and the skills of dealing with the same with swift action and efficiency, keeping the interest of children in mind.

Workshop on First Aid : Middle School

First Aid is not only an important aspect of Disaster Management but it is very essential from the safety point of our students. Keeping the safety of the students in mind a workshop was conducted on 4th October 2017 in the Middle School Auditorium. The purpose of the workshop was to train the teachers in administering First Aid in case of any emergency.

The workshop was attended by the staff of Senior School and Middle School. Dr. Kanta Rahul, Consultant Anaesthesia and Dr. Ethel Belho,Consultant Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET CT were the resource persons.

Dr. Ethel began the session by highlighting the importance of First Aid in our lives. She further elaborated on the common emergencies like Fever, cuts/wounds, bleeding nose, dehydration,fall-sprains/fractures, heat exhaustion/stroke, choking, bites-animal/human, burn that can occur in a school setting.

Dr. Kanta addressed the basic life support system.

The main objective was:-

how to assess a collapsed victim

how to perform chest compression and revive breathing

how to place an unconscious breathing victim in the recovery position.

She also demonstrated the entire process with the help of Vivan, a class 4-E student of our school.

It was an interactive session with a lot of questions being asked which were satisfactorily answered by Dr. Kanta and Dr. Ethel. Vote of thanks was proposed by Brother Miranda. A token of appreciation was also handed over to the guests. It was an enriching experience for all of us.

Effective Classroom Management

“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” - Jacqueline Kennedy

Ms. Monisha Gupta, the resource person from Scholastic India Limited conducted the Workshop. Through an interactive session with the staff to devise simple yet effective discipline strategies to deal with the students so as to enhance the efficacy of the teaching learning process.

The second part of the workshop addressed the need to nurture reading among young readers. She highlighted a pragmatic and constructive strategic approach to inculcate interest in reading in the classroom. The teachers enjoyed discovering Sub-Skills of Reading through fun activities and the use of Aids like Class Room library and Book talks. The session culminated with an uplifting teacher’s prayer thereby thanking God for choosing us to make a difference in the lives of students under our care.

Teacher Resourcing

Title : Teacher Resourcing By Skill Fest 2017 At IIC, New Delhi (6-9-17)

It was an effective workshop and a great learning experience for all of us. It covered leadership as a skill from a holistic approach. We had interactive sessions on various domains such as:-

Key ingredients for a leader.

Different styles of leadership.

Advantages and Limitations of different styles.

Case Studies

Standardised leadership testing tools

SKILL FEST 2017

As an Educational Initiative “Skillfest” 2017 had organized India’s largest teacher training festival. As a part of our professional development, our school had made it possible for teachers to attend these workshops form 4th Sept. to 7th Sept. at The Indian International Centre.

Some of the Topics of the workshop were:

Special Education and Inclusion in Classrooms

Fostering Critical thinking skills in students

The Art and Science of Making Questions

Blending technology and classroom instructions

Project Based Learning 101

Demystifying word Problems

Leadership and Organizational Behaviour

Each workshop was attended by 2 teachers and the workshops provided the educators and school leaders a result oriented and structural path to influence the way children learn. 24 teachers form the Junior school took part in the workshop.

The Art and Science Of Making Questions

Asset has organized a Skillfest 2017 from 4th September to 7th September at India International Centre, New Delhi. We participated ina workshop on THE ART AND SCIENCE OF MAKING QUESTIONS. Around 50 teachers from various schools all over Delhi and some teachers from Faridabad and Rajasthan had also participated in the workshop.

The resource person Mr. Nishchal Shukla conducted the workshop. The workshop was set rolling by the participants introducing themselves.

Mr. Nishchal elaborated on the facts that should be kept in mind while framing questions. He stated that even a simple question can reflect the understanding of the child.

Thereafter it was followed by an activity. The participants were given a question paper which was to be analyzed and rated by the groups. It was followed by a discussion on the same. Mr. Nishchal, along with the participants deliberated on the need of asking questions.

It was followed by another activity based on question analysis.The members were divided into groups based on their subjects. The groups had to frame questions according to the design. One member of each group presented their set of questions which was critically analyzed by the other groups.

The workshop was an interactive session supplemented by videos and group discussion. It was an enriching experience for all of us.

The organizers also provided us with tea and sumptuous lunch.

MANJU SINGH RAWAT
MIDDLE SCHOOL

A Vaidik Approach to Mathematical Science

On the 16th August, 2017 Mrs Rashmi A Sehgal attended the workshop on “A Vaidik Approach to Mathematical Science” at the centre of Indology, Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Delhi. The session started with saraswati Vandana, followed by a discussion on the history of Mathematics, its origin, invention of zero, decimal system and role of Indian Mathematicians like Aryabhatt Brahmagupta, Ramanujan etc. The esteemed panel of speakers included

Shri Maruti Sharma Director, Jagat Kyoso Management and Sciences Foundation elaborated on the Vaidik Maths. It is a system of Mathematics discovered Mathematician Shri Bharathi Krishna Tirthaji in A.D 1911 and 1918 that using Vaidik Mathematic, we can:-

1. Eradicate the fear of Maths

2. Solve numerical calculations 1700% faster.

3. Sharpen our mind and intelligence.

4. Increase speed and accuracy.

5. Building self confidence

Shri. Maruti Sharma Solved

1. How the signs of + / - / X / % came into existence.

2. Multiplication of 2 and 3 digit number tricks.

3. Ticks of Factors and Multiplies of number.

Vedic Maths Techniques have maths tricks for calculation and can be used in exams like CAT, CET, SAT, Banking Exams. After the lunch break, an interesting session on Origami was conducted by Mr. Krishna Kumar Dixit. He demonstrated how origami can be correlated and used for effective teaching of concepts in physics, Geometry and Algebra. Overall it was a rich learning experience.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited. - Plutarch

A workshop on Bloom’s Taxonomy was held on 19th August for the staff of Junior School. It was conducted by the Headmistress Mrs. R. Kaushal. The central idea of the workshop was to work towards better Lesson Planning and to promote higher forms of thinking in student, such as analyzing and evaluating concepts, processes, and procedures and principles-rather than just remembering facts. The teachers were made aware as to how they must plan keeping the learning outcomes in mind. They also understood that, to create thinkers as opposed to students who simply can recall information, they have to incorporate higher levels into lesson plans and tests. The teachers too gave a demo lesson with innovative teaching aids keeping in mind the various aspects of learning taught in the workshop. It was a very enriching experience.

Restorative Circle

The 7 member core group of the restorative circle trained 13 members of the staff of the Middle School over a period of four days (21st - 24th August).

The teachers were briefed on the procedure to be followed during the sessions. Principle of connection before content was understood by all.

The teachers brought in their case study and one of them was taken up, keeping in mind the guidelines to be followed during the process of providing Restorative Justice.

Design For Change

Monika Gulati attended the workshop “Design for Change” at Mother’s International School on 28th July 2017.

“Design for change” is a global movement that aims to empower students to say “I CAN” and inspire others by telling their own stories, through a simple four step methodology. Feel, imagine, Do, share, a framework rooted in design thinking, educators and students are empowered to create positive changes in their school and communities

Overall it was an informative workshop as it taught teacher how to involve students in understanding their problems and taking out a solution themselves. This way students will develop Higher Order Thinking skills and will become confident to deal with real life situations also.

Students Workshop

Phi Cluster

11 April 2018Cyclic Quadrilaterals

On 11 April 2018, from 1:45 pm to 3:00 pm, a Phi Cluster session was organised on the topic of "Cyclic Quadrilaterals" under the guidance of Mrs. H. Jain with Rishabh Dhiman of class 11 C as the resource person.

It was an introductory session for the new members of Phi Cluster of class 10.

A few old concepts relating to the topic at hand were revised and new concepts such as variable points, alternate definition of circles and angular properties of cyclic quadrilaterals were introduced with the help of visual media.

There was an environment of collaborative learning where the members learnt by discussing and questioning different aspects of the topic.

The session helped in inculcating the skill of analysing problems from different perspectives, mathematical reasoning and a love for the subject.

It boosted the confidence of all involved - the resource person, new members and old members - in the session.

The members were enthusiastic for the next session and hoped that they be organised on a frequent basis.

Rishabh Dhiman11-CMember (phi Cluster)

Phi Cluster

Phi Cluster
25th October 2017
A Session on Complex Numbers

Today we ventured into the world of complex numbers, understanding their basic structure to how to map them on a 2D surface. To set the platform our moderator for the Gurkirat Singh of 10-B we were given values of some complex numbers and few a questions to solve. While solving the questions it was important to know why the following answer was derived rather than just looking for solutions. One of the mesmerising thing was to see how Gurkirat connected quadratic equations to the formation of a complex pattern. Finally, we understood that every mathematical equation has a pattern hidden in it.

Workshop For Class VIII

Workshop For Class VIII

Students of class 8 are part of an outreach programme in association with NGO PRATYEK.

Brother Steve conducted a workshop for class 8 students on 21st and 22nd August 2017. It was an interactive session and he told the boys about the institution and also the Nine is Mine campaign.

He stressed on the fact that the boys can play a very important role by being a part of it. He discussed about the climate change and the need to conserve all resources.

He also talked about the initiative of the NGO to put pressure on the Government and to bring about reforms in the field of Health and Education.

He asked the boys to contribute in their own way towards the cause. Brother appealed to the boys to come and teach the underprivileged children. The session proved to be fruitful and the boys participated in it wholeheartedly.

Parents Workshop

Cyber security workshop for Middle school parents

Date 12.4.18Classes: 4-10th

For youngsters the internet offers entertaining and informative escape, but too often they forget that online word has the same risk as the real one, hence to spread the awareness towards the safe internet usage, we St. Columba’s undertook initiative to conduct a series of workshop for parents as well their wards to enhance their existing knowledge about cyber etiquettes.

The entire program was conducted by an expert from the field, Mrs. Pooja Malhotra, she’s a cyber counselor by profession and also a member of advisory member at National cyber security & safety standards. This series commenced with parental awareness program for classes 4-10th held at E.R.H. nearly 300-350 parents were the beneficiaries.

HOW TO BE A BETTER PARENT

The Indian Express hosted an Express Masterclass presented by IIFL on ‘PARENTING’. The workshop was held on 3rd February 2018 at St. Columba’s School. It was led by Ms. Gloria Burrett, an Integrative Psychotherapist. The workshop was attended by Express Readers, School Parents and a few teachers who found the workshop very insightful and self introspecting.

Ms. Gloria took us through an interactive session, sharing deeper perspective on how we can bring about peaceful parenting. The session exclusively focused on needs of parenting a 7-11 year old and how to find a better emotional connect with the child. With many questions and dilemmas being clarified at the workshop, it turned out to be a highly interactive session.

In short, the interactive session focused on the evolving dynamics and creative connect between the parent and child.